Job 4:1-21

The First Speech of Eliphaz (Job 4:5)

Eliphaz is the principal and probably the oldest of the three friends: cp. Job 32:6. He is also the most considerate. But the complainings of Job in Job 3 had evidently deepened in him the bad impression which must have been created by Job's sufferings, and being ignorant of the true cause of his trials he draws false conclusions from them. Whilst admitting that Job is fundamentally a pious man, Eliphaz infers that his sufferings must be the punishment of some sin, and that therefore the correction which God is sending should be received with humility and the sin repented of. These premises, which are held by all the friends, are throughout denied and combated by Job.

1-11. Eliphaz gently rebukes Job for yielding to despair, since the godly do not perish under their affliction, but it is the wicked who reap the evil they have sown.